"Yes, I've taken enough photos, " answered the man by the door, who was Roger's assistant.
Looking at all the high definition photos, he pointed out excitedly, "These photos will be sensational if they get out!"
But Roger warned, "We'll hang on to these photos and play it by ear."
The game plan was to keep taking advantage of Rachel, who even if she was married, was an easy prey.
Since she was still of use to him, now was not the time to publish any photos.
His assistant, however, thought differently.
He couldn't understand why Roger refused to publish the photos, knowing it would make him an instant overnight sensation.
But Roger shushed him. "It's settled. Just do as I say."
"We'd better head to the audition, " Roger said, getting ready to leave.
Roger was determined to be as famous as Rachel one day. When that happened, he thought people would condemn the woman for paying for his being a gigolo instead of laughing at him.
The audition venue was the same hotel where Autumn and Isla had an ongoing project. The women just completed measuring space and were on their way out. At the lobby, Roger and Autumn crashed into one another.
Roger's assistant swore angrily at Autumn. "Hey! What is wrong with you? Are you blind?
You do not want to hurt Roger Han!" he snarled.
Autumn was shocked. It was obviously Roger who wasn't looking. She ended up sprawled on the ground, unable to avoid him. Despite this, his assistant had the gall to snipe at her.
As Isla quickly helped Autumn to her feet, she shrieked, "He ran into her first.
You're the one who's not looking!"
Unconcerned about the bickering, Roger looked at Autumn more closely. His face suddenly lit up at seeing a very attractive woman in jeans and a white T-shirt.
Shifting to gentleman mode, he admonished his assistant, saying, "What is wrong with you? She was the one who fell!
You should be helping her up!" Roger snapped.
Momentarily stunned at his boss' words, the assistant moved to help Autumn but Isla pushed him away. "Spare us your false kindness, " she spat.
Then she turned to Autumn, asking, "Are you all right?"
Still miffed over the incident, Autumn replied she was fine.
Autumn thought she might have sprained her ankle, but brushed it aside as nothing serious.
"Miss…" Roger trailed, fishing for a name.
He decided to block Autumn's path and apologized earnestly. "I'm really sorry about what my assistant said. Let me apologize on his behalf."
Bowing before Autumn, he implored, "Maybe I can call you later, so I can make up for it with more than just an apology?"
"There's no need for that, " Autumn replied coldly.
"I'm good."
She side-stepped him and left. Though she admitted Roger was attractive, she sensed a very unpleasant aura surrounding the man, making it difficult to talk to the guy.
With a protective arm around Autumn, Isla grunted at Roger and his assistant as they walked away.
Once out of earshot, Roger's baffled assistant asked cautiously, "What was that all about? Did I hear what I think I heard?"
Roger sighed, patted his assistant on the head and quipped, "Tsk. Tsk. You're not very perceptive, my boy." Then he ordered, "Now, go find out who she is."
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